Islamabad – President Asif Ali Zardari has signed the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) Amendment Bill 2025, which introduces stricter penalties for the spread of fake news, misinformation, and online propaganda. Under the new law, individuals convicted of intentionally spreading false information that disrupts public order could face up to three years in jail and a fine of Rs 2 million.
Key Features of the New PECA Amendments
The revised PECA law includes several critical provisions:
- Stricter Punishments: A three-year prison sentence and heavy fines for spreading false information online.
- Social Media Crackdown: Digital platforms will be required to remove flagged content within 24 hours.
- Increased Monitoring: Authorities will have more power to track misinformation and penalize those responsible.
Backlash and Concerns
While the government argues that the amendment is necessary to counter misinformation and online extremism, critics believe that it could be used to stifle free speech and suppress political dissent. Journalists, activists, and media organizations have voiced concerns that the vague definition of “fake news” might allow authorities to target independent reporting.
Opposition parties and media watchdogs have demanded transparency in the law’s implementation to prevent misuse. Despite the concerns, the government insists that the amendment is aimed at protecting public safety and ensuring accountability in digital spaces.